Want to learn the art of communication? Lynda Williams coaches individuals through their personal and professional lives with expert tips.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Lynda Williams, the founder of Hack Your Own PR Singapore, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I’ve been in the communications business for almost 20 years across marketing and PR; I launched my award-winning lifestyle PR agency in 2013. In 2022, after nine years of successful agency life, I restructured.
Now, I teach others — small businesses and entrepreneurs — how to get in the media headlines through a 9-week cohort, Hack Your Own PR Singapore. I also coach individuals on life or business, career, and communications coaching verticals (or a mixture). I studied to get my coaching accreditation three years ago, even though I’ve been coaching others for 15 years through various means.
I’ve always evolved personally and professionally, finding out what the market needs and what I find joy in. The numbers have to add up, but my motivation comes from finding joy in what I do. I believe the ability to communicate effectively in life is everything. On a personal level – how we receive communication (verbally or written), how we give advice, feedback, or stories, and our own internal chatter – it can affect our well-being and mental health. When you break it down this way, it can be a real ‘a-ha’ moment.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Like most business owners, there have been many. But the biggest, and perhaps most emotional for me, was when I had to restructure last year to focus on my coaching. The agency was doing well, so it was a shock to everyone; I had to let down my long-term clients and employees.
It broke my heart, but I lined up options for all of them. For clients, I found new homes with PR agency friends; for employees, I lined up at least two employment options for each of them and helped with CVs and interview training. I didn’t have to, but as Sinatra says, ‘I did it my way’.
There’s always more than one way of doing things – I was honest with everyone and did it from the heart. Whatever way you choose, make sure you’re comfortable with it and that it aligns with your values.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I can’t function without exercise. I’ve done a lot of breathwork, meditation, yoga, and wellness retreats over the years – and still do them when I can. But, an absolute constant in my life is daily exercise. Especially so if I’m stressed or feeling off. One hour of exercise changes everything. I work out five to seven times a week, depending on my schedule. My go-to classes are yoga, weights, spinning, kickboxing, lots of social tennis games, and going outdoors for a hike or bike ride.
Favourite places to work?
As I work from anywhere, some of my favourites recently have been in my brother’s office overlooking sheep fields in the north of England, running Hack Your Own PR Singapore calls in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, and at 1880 in Singapore, where the staff are always so helpful (printing, forgotten chargers, a strong drink — they’ve got it covered).
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
“Just get it done.” This actually comes from my mother. As a child, I used to make lists of my homework to-dos. It would drive her mad as it was total procrastination. She’d say, “For goodness sake, just get it done!” Done is better than perfect, honestly. You can continually evolve and tweak it afterwards.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
How communication and mental health in all facets of life are so strongly linked and detrimental. We talk a lot about how we should communicate, but most of the time, the ‘how’ isn’t addressed. This is what I’m working on for the next chapter of my business (stay tuned!). Aside from this, those close to me know I don’t shut up about food, cooking, and restaurants. I think about food a lot; it’s one of life’s greatest joys!
Your go-to self-care activity?
Aside from exercise, I love treating myself to a good massage or some fancy aromatherapy oils or salts to go with a nice, long hot bath.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Stop being such a people-pleaser! Create healthier boundaries so that your cup is fuller and you can give more to others. Also, you’ll always get ‘haters’. But it’s about their insecurities, never about you, so don’t let any ‘hearsay’ comments get to you.
Get in touch with Lynda Williams online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
